Itchy eye: what causes it? What helps with itching?

Itching of the eye can be common in the case of external irritation. Smoke, dust or wind or a chemical substance can cause irritation. Sometimes it is a more serious symptom of a disease.

If the eye area itches, it is most often a problem directly in the eye or an allergic reaction. This can be seen in other parts of the body besides the eye. It is relatively easy to distinguish.

Often it is also a malfunction of the lacrimal apparatus, which does not moisten the eye sufficiently. A decrease in tearing can be caused by several reasons.

It can be caused directly by a malfunction or a breakdown in the function or structure of the tear glands in the eye. Sometimes, however, it is also directly due to a breakdown in tear production as a result of dehydration or hormonal changes in the body.

What causes itching of the eye, eyelid, corner and surroundings of the eye?
Why can children's eyes itch?
Could it be an allergy?
Can only professional treatment and drops help, or natural and home remedies?

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition in which tears are not produced enough or evaporate quickly. The consequence is not only itchy eyes but also, for example, a greater susceptibility to various infections and inflammations.

The impaired tear production is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, burning, itching, cutting of the eyes. It is also possible to feel pressure in the eyes, their fatigue. Vision deteriorates, headaches may be associated.

It occurs in the menopausal period. The external environment, especially dust, dry air or smoky environment, has a great influence on its occurrence. Working at a computer, air-conditioned rooms, contact lenses and also stress contribute to it.

Allergies as a cause of itchy eyes

A specific case of allergy where itchy eyes are also present is hay fever, which is characterised by a full nose and frequent sniffling or sneezing. It is an allergy to pollen, dust, dust mites and animal hair.

This type of allergy is the most widespread and many people suffer from it. Sometimes there are even rashes on the skin and the eyes are often affected. They can itch, there is a cutting sensation and the eyes often hurt.

Allergies are manifested, for example, by itching in both eyes, a full and stuffy nose, increased tearing, which can also bring with it various problems directly in the eyes.

Allergies also have other symptoms, on the skin or as swelling of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, as well as swelling of the eyelids. An allergy is an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to an external stimulus.

A person is sensitive to a substance, which in this case is called an allergen. When in contact with it, his immune system launches a defensive reaction, but it is disproportionate.

Sometimes anaphylactic reactions and shock occur, which is an acute manifestation of the allergy. Treatment usually consists of administering antihistamines during the allergy season or corticosteroids to reduce the immune reaction.

Inflammation of the eye

Inflammation can be acute but also chronic. It can arise from both infectious and non-infectious bases. It can be caused by bacteria but also by a virus.

If itching of the eye is accompanied by increased tearing, cutting sensation, it is very often conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the eye and covers it up to the edge of the cornea.

Itching is caused by the most common diseases in the eye area:

• inflammation of the eyelid margins
• barley grain (also hordeolum)
• wolfsbane (technically chalazion)
• herpetic inflammation of the eyelid (as herpes zoster ophthalmicus)
• phlegmon of the eyelid
• blockage and inflammation of the lacrimal duct
• basalioma and other tumours of the eyelid
• inflammation of the cornea

Other complaints include:

• pain, cutting, burning
• feeling of sand in the eyes
• redness, irritation
• swelling of the eyelid
• tearing
• discharge
• peeling of the skin
• eyelid sores

Foreign body and trauma

Itching in the eye can also be caused by trauma. However, the main cause must be found in a foreign body. It is not only dust and its particles that can irritate. Itching can also be caused by other foreign objects.

In addition to the body, the itching can also be caused by exposure of the eye to excessive light radiation. Welding is also an example. Tearing, redness and itching are consequences of improper technique or inadequate protection. If the cause of the itching is an accident, eye treatment should be sought.